WHITBY TOWN VS STOCKTON TOWN PREVIEW
COMPETITION: Northern Premier League Premier Division- Matchday 23
DATE: Wednesday 1st January, 2025
KICK-OFF: 15:00
ENTRY: Adult £12, Concession £8, U18 £4
Tickets can be purchased online here- https://whitbytownfc.ktckts.com/event/wby242512/whitby-town-vs-stockton-town
GROUND: The Towbar Express Stadium at the Turnbull Ground, YO21 3HZ
LIVE UPDATES: @stockton_townfc – Twitter/X
Stockton Town begin 2025 on the road with the short trip to the Seaside to face Whitby Town.
The Anchors were held to a draw by Hebburn Town on Boxing Day. Stephen Thompson’s thunderous strike opened the scoring and they ended the half with a man advantage after Matthew Elsdon was sent off.
But the ten-men of Hebburn levelled through Dan Savage’s cross-cum-shot. The game ended on a sour note when Stockton also ended with ten men after Lewis King was sent off for a second yellow card.
Michael Dunwell has received the boost of a return to the squad for Striker Josh Scott. Tom Birtles also returns after making a decisive contribution to Billingham Synthonia’s 3-0 win over Thornaby on Saturday.
There will be no Whitby Town return for Mikey Roberts who has been ruled out.
THE OPPOSITION
Since the two sides last met, Whitby have had a change in management after Nathan Haslam departed and was replaced by Gary Liddle.
Since taking the helm, Liddle has made a positive impression and has steered them into mid-table when it appeared a relegation battle could have been on the cards.
Last time out they ran out 4-3 winners at Blyth Spartans. Recent signing Layton Watts netted a brace, while Lewis Hawkins and Nathan Thomas scored the other two.
It was the second time Whitby have won 4-3 on the road after they won by the same scoreline at Basford United in November.
Players to watch for include former Middlesbrough striker Stephen Walkers who is the club’s top scorer with 14 this campaign. The aforementioned Thomas, like Walker, has previous EFL experience at Hartlepool United most notably.
Experienced campaigner Adam Gell is also back at the club after making his return in September.
FORM GUIDE
Whitby Town: L W L D W
Last Game: Blyth Spartans 3-4 Whitby Town
Stockton Town: L W L D D
Last Game: Stockton Town 1-1 Hebburn Town
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Although the two clubs have met in Pre-Season Friendlies on a few occasions, this is only the second competitive meeting:
26 Aug 24- Stockton Town 2-0 Whitby Town- Northern Premier League Premier Division
THE OPPOSITION VIEW
Looking ahead to the game, Whitby Manager Gary Liddle said:
“Stockton are another one who we owe one for. We went down there and they were by far the better team on the day.”
“Hopefully I have a good selection of players to choose from and hopefully we can get another three points.”
PRE-MATCH QUOTES
Following the Hebburn draw, Michael Dunwell looked ahead to the game:
“They (Whitby Town) have had a change in management, and they have had a nice little run of wins to move themselves up the table.
“It’s going to be tough going away to Whitby and I estimate we’re going to take a lot of fans there so it’s going to be a great atmosphere.
“Hopefully we can go there and get three points.”
